Fishing at Second Lake, Montcalm County, Michigan

• Overview

  Out in Montcalm County, Michigan, sits Second Lake. This is mixed forest country. With some 25 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Edmore at 5.2 miles is the nearest place to stop. For a city, Grand Rapids is 42 miles off. Also worth knowing: Third Lake about 0.2 miles, First Lake within 0.4 miles, Fourth Lake about 0.6 miles, Little Bass Lake within 1 mile and Fifth Lake about 1.2 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Second Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. County-wide records name bluegill, largemouth bass, white sucker, johnny darter and pink salmon. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Second Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 69°F; the cold one sits at 20°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Count the season from break-up, usually early April. Expect the water usable from around early April until roughly mid December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Plan around that when you fish Second Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Boats go in at First Lake Boat Launch, roughly half a mile from the water. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is Third Lake, 0.2 miles out. Rules at Second Lake are worth checking on the day.